In the United States, missing teeth is a common problem for adults between the ages of 35 and 44, causing eating and speaking problems. However, that is not the end of the issue. The remaining teeth can drift into the empty spaces of your jaw, ruining both your looks and confidence. That is why dentists offer various solutions to fill these spaces. This article will discuss dental bridge vs. implant and how to choose the correct option.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
First, we will discuss the pros and cons of dental bridges. In summary, dental bridges do not need invasive surgeries, but they are harder to maintain and don’t last long. Here are the pros:
- No surgery, no bone grafting;
- They restore your smile naturally;
- They stop other teeth from shifting;
- They take a couple of weeks to be installed.
And here are the cons:
- They usually won’t last more than five to seven years;
- Their procedure sometimes requires shaving the healthy teeth;
- They are more challenging to clean and maintain.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Zirconia implants are getting very popular due to their pros. They don’t have the cons of bridges, but they take longer to be placed. Here are the pros:
- They restore your smile and last a lifetime;
- They don’t damage the neighboring teeth;
- They are easier to clean and maintain.
Of course, these implants have a few cons as well:
- They require an oral surgery;
- They take several months to be installed;
- They are more expensive than bridges.
Dental Bridge vs. Implant: What You Should Consider
There are several factors to consider when you want to restore a missing tooth and are doubtful about dental bridge vs. implant. In this part, we point out the most important ones:
The Appearance
The first thing many patients are concerned about is the look of the dental bridge vs. the implant. These two both create a natural look since your doctor will choose their color based on the color of your natural teeth. However, many believe implants look more natural when fixed in your jawbone. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of preference for each individual.
The comfort
It is obvious that your choice should be comfortable so you can eat, speak, and laugh easily. Dental bridges should fit perfectly in your mouth to be comfortable; still, you might need a while to get used to them as they put a little extra strain on neighboring teeth. On the other hand, implants are fitted in your jaw like a natural tooth. You can eat everything with them; they won’t slip or come out of your mouth. Therefore, regarding comfort, zirconia implants seem like a better choice.
The Effect on Bone Structure
When a tooth is lost or extracted, the jawbone beneath loses density. One of the reasons dentists recommend restoring the space with a bridge or an implant is to stop this bone density reduction. Implants halt density reduction and encourage bone growth as they are fused with the jawbone, leading to osseointegration. That is why we choose implants. What about you?
The Procedure
For many patients, the procedure for dental bridges vs. implants plays an important part in their decision-making. As you know, the implant procedure involves oral surgery to put the implant inside your jawbone and a crown placed on it after it has been fused to the jaw. The article “Dental Implant Procedure: A Step-By-Step Guide” discusses this procedure in more detail.
The process for a dental bridge is less invasive, but your dentist might file down a completely healthy tooth next to your bridge in order to secure it. So, if you ask us, we’d close our eyes and go for an implant.
The Cost
Dental bridges are more budget-friendly, making them the favorite choice for patients on a tight budget. However, implants are a once-in-a-lifetime procedure, which makes them more economical. In other words, if you’re in your 40s, and your dental bridge lifetime is five years, you must pay for the bridges six to seven times before your 80s. But you pay for implants one time, and they will work till your 80s with good maintenance.
Have You Made Up Your Mind Now?
This article discussed everything you needed to know about dental bridge vs. implant. Now, if you have decided, it’s time for action. If you are looking for a holistic dentist in California, Aria Dental in Orange County offers holistic and safe dental treatments, including zirconia implants and implant-supported dentures, that consider your oral and overall health. You can contact us for a consultation to find the answer to all of your questions and choose the best option for your case.
